Cyndi Lauper To Be Honored At Heroes Of Hope Event

Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and civil rights activist Cyndi Lauper will join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to celebrate the seventh annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) at the “Heroes of Hope” Tribute event on May 9 in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will present Lauper with an award for her work on behalf of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth through her foundation, the True Colors Fund. Together with SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration on Children, Youth and Families George Sheldon, they will honor youth from across the country who have overcome trauma, as well as their Heroes of Hope—family members, providers, and the community members—who have helped them. Joint Surgeon of the National Guard Bureau Major General Joseph K. Martin, Jr., will be among the dignitaries at the event.

Emmy Award-winning news anchor Leon Harris from ABC-7/WJLA-TV will emcee the tribute. The program will feature stories of resilience from youth across the country and performances in tribute to their Heroes of Hope, the caring adults that have helped enhance their resilience following traumatic experiences. Preceding the event, there will be a reception sponsored by the Child Mind Institute, featuring an art exhibit with artwork from students across the county sponsored by the American Art Therapy Association.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is SAMHSA’s annual observance of the importance of caring for every child’s mental health. More than 130 public and private organizations and more than 1,100 communities across the country will participate in local events and activities in celebration of Awareness Day.